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Former President Donald Trump’s car collection is nothing to scoff at, but there is one car he bought that simply isn’t worth very much anymore. Trump’s old 1987 Mercedes-Benz 560SL is a classic car that many enthusiasts could buy anytime. Here’s a little about one of Trump’s lesser-known rides, a maroon convertible Mercedes-Benz of yesteryear. 

Which car did Donald Trump give to Ivana Trump?

Donald Trump bought a 1987 Mercedes-Benz 560SL when the vehicle was new. He was the first owner of the car and bought it as a gift for his first wife, Ivana Trump. The title says that he purchased the car in Palm Beach, Florida, a locale where the convertible V8-powered Mercedes-Benz roadster would have right at home. If you need further evidence that the car was a personal vehicle to Ivana Trump, you need only consult the personalized license plate, which reads “IVANA 1.”

Donald Trump's old Mercedes Benz 560SL isn't worth a ton of money.
Donald Trump’s 1987 Mercedes-Benz 560SL | Uwe Anspach, Getty Images

How much is a 1987 Mercedes-Benz 560SL worth?

While the R107 generation 1987 Mercedes-Benz 560SL is a reliable and attractive classic car, the Stuttgart automaker made them for nearly two decades, and their large numbers keep them from fetching huge paydays. According to Hagerty, a 1987 560SL in good condition will typically demand around $20,800. That’s not a heinous ask for a Mercedes-Benz convertible with a leather interior, 5.6L V8 engine, and handsome classic styling. 

The 560SL has a dignified front end.
Donald Trump’s 1987 560SL | Uwe Anspach, Getty Images

Is the 1987 Mercedes-Benz 560SL a good car?

The R107 generation Mercedes-Benz SL is a good car, and it makes sense that Donald Trump would buy one for his wife. The first cars in the R107 generation ran from 1972 to 1989, nearly twenty years. During that time, Mercedes-Benz sold R107 convertibles as 350 and 450SLs, with engines like the smooth running 4.5L Bosch fuel-injected V8s. However, the bigger 5.6L V8 engines hit the North American market in 1986.

The 5.6L V8-powered cars were quicker but kept the silly five mph crash bumpers that the American market mandated. Still, the vehicles constitute a cool classic car bargain. The SL models had soft tops with a removable 90-lb hard top for winter months. However, if convertibles aren’t your style, the SLC models offered a coupe platform with a back seat instead of a luggage tray. 

A bright red Mercedes-Benz 560SL like Donald Trump's shows off its handsome front end.
A 560SL’s front end | Demetrius Freeman, Bloomberg via Getty Images

What other cars has Donald Trump owned?

The former president has quite a history with expensive and flashy cars. Trump once owned a (pause for palpable jealousy) 1997 Lamborghini Diablo, a perfect example of excessiveness. An even more appropriate vehicular pairing for Trump might be the 1956 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud he once owned. However, the icing on the decadence cake has to be his 24 Karat Gold Chopper from Orange County Choppers.  

Is an old R107 Mercedes-Benz SL worth buying?

An R107 Mercedes-Benz SL like the one that Donald Trump bought for his wife is an excellent car for a first-time classic car shopper. The SL cars have disc brakes, fuel injection, a usable trunk, and a hard-top-soft-top combination. Also, the simple and classic design language lends itself to a true old-school sports car. Finally, according to Hagerty, you can snag a 1979 450SL in good condition for as little as $14,100.  

Scroll down to the following article to read more about classic cars!

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